I cracked the underside of this stem from normal riding. It was properly installed and torque by a lbs. I did not crack the face plate like 90% of people do. I was just doing a normal xc ride and I go to wipe my bike down and I found a 2 in crack on the underside of them stem. Severely disappointed in a product that's supposed to be unbreakable. I only weigh 130lbs. It should not break being used by someone of my stature.

Weaknesses: I can't say anything bad about the weight, I consider it a light part, and the weight makes sense considering the design intent.

Bottom Line:

Never slipped, never creaked. More than I can say for many stems I've ridden.

I have a few of these stems, and some have been installed and reinstalled so many times I feel guilty, but there is no change in performance. No flaking colour. One which is a few years old only has wear at the bolts from installation and putting the bike updsidedown during trailside repairs.

If you want a stem that will outlast the latest bike fad you are on, this is it. Transfer it frame to frame with no ill effects or style issues. If you are into style.
If you want one that will outlast your frame, this will be it! Keep in mind I am riding rigid SS and hardtail with drops no larger than 5'. Not sure how it will perform in FR and DH conditions, but that is not exactly what it is for. Not what I am for either. Who actually does that w/ an XC stem?

Strengths: Stiff, beautiful, strong enough for any type of riding, bolt heads on steer tube clamp are recessed so you don't slam your knee into them, made in a country with environmental standards and living wages

Weaknesses: Weight weenies probably wouldn't use it

Bottom Line:

I guess this is one of those parts I've never thought about, which explains why there are so many out there and the only people that review it are those with cracked faceplates.

At least no one has stripped theirs out. You can always buy a new faceplate.

I just want to add that I have slammed my knee into the pointy steer clamp bolthead on a ritchey stem and my knee hurt for days, not to mention I was rolling on the ground in pain when it happened. It's worth the extra money to not have that happen. My new truvativ stem is practically a clone of the thomson (probably without the strength but we'll see) and is 1/3 the price. Looks cheap in comparison though.

I'm a big guy, 6'3 250 lbs, and I ride my bike hard. I had a shorty stem and wanted more room in the saddle. I got the elite x4 at a 120 length with 10° rise, and a matching thomson elite setback seatpost. I couldn't be more happy with them both. I had my bike at the shop having a couple things done, when I got it back, I noticed the faceplate of the stem was cracked next to the screw hole. The shop gave me the runaround, and the place I bought it from gave me some bs about not carrying that stem any more. I was frustrated to say the least, 3+ years no problems, and now a mysterious crack? I contacted Thomson, sent them the broken piec, and had the new part at my house 6 days after sending the broken one out! Awesome warranty dept!

Strengths: it's a stem.... If it doesn't break, and you ordered the right length/angle, it's good. This is a good stem.

Weaknesses: Slips on the steerer tube on the occasional crash. I suppose this is better than breaking, but no other stem has done this one me.

Bottom Line:

While riding, I don't have to think about it. It works as a stem should. My only complaint is that it has slipped a handful of time when I've crashed, which isn't necessarily a bad characteristic for a stem. I don't use a torque wrench, but worked as a mechanic in a shop for quite some time, and consider my hands to be fairly well 'calibrated'. I do admit that I prefer the beefiness of downhill/AM stems that generally are overbuilt in the clamp area to deal with being over-torqued, and NEVER slip. The light weight in comparison to that genre of stem is probably worth it though, and I will continue to ride my X4. 4 chilies because you can get no-slip performance for less money and ballpark+ weight.

I wish I could type a review for my spell check, which tagged "overtorqued", but not "wrneched"....

Weaknesses: Hard to apply the word "weakness" to this part. Did'nt think the 4mm fasteners would be up to snuff, but they have'nt budged 0.001" in over 1000+ hard dirt miles.

Bottom Line:

The Thomson replaced a cracked Truvativ stem with a single-screw steerer tube clamp that chronically shifted and required re-tightening. This thing is so much stiffer (just look at the diameter compared to anything else on the market). The extra stiffness is apparent in handling even to a hack like me.

Beautifully crafted by machinists that know what they're doing. Would not rate this an exceptional value because of its cost, except that it is still an exceptional value at list price. Never ever worry about my stem failing again, just other stuff now.

Anyone whose cracked this stem makes me suspect the installation. This stem requires meticulous torquing with well lubricated fasteners (follow the instructions, that is!) Install it carefully and never touch it again till you move it to a new bike.

I don't know when its cracked, is it after I make a few feet drop or after I fall just a few feet high! But the bottom line is the stem is not so strong enough and not as I expected! Very disappointed when seeing the small cracked on clamp horizontally two thirds across!

Strengths: Machining is a work of art, Stiffness to weight ratio, Value

Weaknesses: None

Bottom Line:

This is the best stem I have ever used. Immediately noticed the increased stiffness. The 90mm, 31.8 version only weighs 161 grams. Like the seatpost, this is a masterpiece. To purchase any other stem for anything short of DH use would be a mistake. Read the rest of these reviews and believe 'em in this case.

This is the best stem I've used so far. This is a set and forget component on your bike. I was hesistant spending over 60 bucks for a stem but it's hella worth it! Beautiful craftsmanship by Thomson all for under $75. I've beaten it up either fully rigid or suspension and it keeps ticking. Mountain or road you probably cant go any better for performance and price.

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